Bitches in heat

When the bitch comes into heat for the first time, puberty has begun. Most bitches come into heat twice a year. Some dogs and certain breeds, like the Saarloos wolfhound, will only go into heat once a year, just like the wolf. Often a bitch will have her first heat when she is 7 to 14 months old. Larger breeds often come into heat a little later than smaller breeds. Dogs can go into heat up to an old age, so there is no menopause. A heat can be recognised by the fact that the bitch is restless, easily distracted and moody. Furthermore, the bitch leaves small puddles to spread her scent.

How does the heat progress in bitches?

The heat begins with bloody discharge and a swelling of the vulva. The bitch then becomes very interesting for the males, but they themselves are not yet interested. In this period, the eggs in the ovaries mature until they are large enough for ovulation. In this period of the heat, bitches also produce a lot of oestrogen. This hormone causes the change in behaviour during the heat. Meanwhile, the uterus is getting ready to receive fertilised eggs; the wall becomes very blood-stained and thick. The blood you see when the bitch is in heat comes from the blood vessels in the lining of the uterus that burst or let blood through.

On average, this phase of the heat lasts 9 days, during which time the discharge becomes browner and more watery. This is the moment you have to pay extra attention if you don't want puppies. The ovulation can take place any time now, so your bitch is fertile from now on. At this time, they allow mating attempts by dogs in contrast to the period before. After the ovulation, the female is fertile for about 3 days.

All symptoms that belong to the season will decrease gradually. On average, the heat stops after 3 weeks and then the uterus slowly comes to rest again. 

Treatment and tools for a female in heat

To prevent blood drops on your floor or furniture, you can have your bitch wear special trousers during her heat. In the trousers you can put a special pad, a tissue or a panty liner. After this period, you can wash your dog with a dog shampoo to remove any remaining blood and smell.

If you want to postpone or suppress the heat, your dog can get a shot or pill from the vet that suppresses it temporarily. However, there are disadvantages to this medicine; there is a risk of mammary gland tumours, uterine inflammation and diabetes. If you don't want a litter and don't want to wait for the troubles around the heat, you could consider sterilisation.